State Bill Would Address Product Pricing that Makes Women Pay More [Newsday]

A bill proposal poised for a final vote in the State Legislature would levy civil penalties against retailers who charge more for goods marketed to women that perform the same function as products intended for men.

The proposal cites a New York City Department of Consumer Affairs study that found products aimed at women, such as shaving cream and razors, cost about 7 percent more than identical or similar items targeting men.

The results of the study indicate that women spend significantly more money over the course of their lifetime due to discriminatory pricing practices on products marketed towards women,” according to language in the bill, also co-sponsored by Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers).

A violation could bring a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first violation and $500 for each subsequent violation if both houses pass the bill and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signs it. A violation would be assessed against a store's entire allotment of a product, the bill states, rather than individual items.

The bill is expected to pass in the Assembly as early as this week, but Mayer said she is having continuing discussions with the Retail Council of New York State about "unintended consequences" of the measure. Traditional retailers are fighting a pitched battle against online retailers, Mayer said, and she doesn't want the bill to create a financial hardship. The Yonkers senator said, however, she is still working to pass the bill this year.